Anadolu Agency reported a blockade at Helene-Boucher High School in Paris on Monday as six leading education unions called teachers to a general strike on Nov. 5 and student groups planned further actions.
Education Minister Edouard Geffray urged protesters to let students return to class, warning that blockades are illegal and could put the school year at risk, Anadolu reported. The six unions made the strike call in a written statement. CGT Secretary-General Sophie Binet said teachers, retirees, young people and education workers would act together, Anadolu reported.
The Associated Press said the demonstrations have broadened from concerns over school maintenance and staffing to include access to higher education and living costs.
The renewed student mobilization follows a government consultation on student concerns, EconoTimes previously reported. The government said it received more than 100,000 contributions from nearly 3,000 high schools. A committee including students and teachers is expected to issue initial recommendations on replacing Parcoursup by the end of November.
Union syndicale lycéenne and Union Étudiante have called for high school and university blockades on Nov. 3 and Nov. 5, EconoTimes previously reported. The Nov. 5 action coincides with the teachers’ strike call.
